External Engagement Internship

Summary/Objective

Job Description

About the BSO

Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the premier orchestras in the world. The BSO is committed to being a best-in-class employer that brings artistic excellence and cultural relevance through music and performances to the local and international communities.

About the Role
The Education & External Engagement Intern is responsible for administrative tasks within BSO’s Education & External Engagement Department to drive educational programming, community engagement, brand awareness, and smooth operations. The ideal candidate can multitask and pivot, while establishing and maintaining efficient organizational systems. This role will work closely with the Directors of Education and External Engagement, Program Managers, and internal partners to consistently deliver on educational and community engagement objectives while maximizing team effectiveness and performance by leveraging technology (G-Suite, MS Office Suite, Workday, Zoom, and related platforms).

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide direct support to the Education and External Engagement Team (VP, Directors, & Program Managers)
• Support the department’s strategic planning process and project management cycles through research, materials prep, site visits, and assistance with program facilitation
• Assume responsibility for administrative duties related to external engagement, including Community Chamber Concerts, Concert for the City, Opening Our Doors, Holiday Pops Military Preview
• Organize and manage project databases
• Assist with meeting preparation and mailing correspondence
• Understand the BSO’s brand, growth and marketing goals, and how they apply to the department’s collaborative strategies
• Assist with organizing and analyzing data logically and proactively to recommend novel approaches, targeting, and beta testing strategies
• Support fiscal management, including inventory, tracking expenditures, paying vendors, staying on budget, estimating monthly costs, reconciling expenses, and submitting reports
• Partner with other BSO teams to build brand awareness, increase community engagement, and drive conversations with relevant, on-brand influencers and brand partners
• Complete other tasks as assigned

WORK SCHEDULE

• Duration: October 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027

• Flexible hours, Monday–Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• A minimum of 5 hours per week is required to be completed in person.

• Weekend and evening event participation as needed.

• Attendance and assistance, as schedules permit, at select events, including:

  • Community Chamber Concerts (see Addendum on last page)
  • Harvard Symphony Society (TBD)

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications:

• Must be a recent graduate or currently enrolled in good academic standing as a college sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student

• Experience with goal setting, event planning, and strategic development

• Knowledge of classical music

• Understands project management & implementation, data collection and analysis methodologies, and key performance indicators (KPI)

• Professional, honest, and reliable with the ability to deal respectfully and responsively with people from various backgrounds, experience levels, and in all types of situations

• Problem-solver with a strong ability to evaluate problems accurately and apply good judgment

• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a welcoming environment

• Possesses a strong command of written English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Must be able to accurately proofread, edit, and draft written correspondence to internal and external interest holders

• Skillful communicator & active listener; High EQ, low ego; clear, honest, transparent communication

• Technology Proficiency; experience developing organizational systems and leveraging technology to manage projects (G-Suite, MS Office – Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)

• Flexible and adaptable with a growth mindset

• High integrity and trustworthy

• Passionate, courteous, and ambitious

• Tenacious, resilient, strong work ethic

• Motivated self-starter, effective communicator, and collaborative team player

• Intellectually curious and innovative; highly analytical and strategic; can connect the dots

Important Notifications
Hybrid
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: Up to $18.00 per hour (5-10 hours per week)

Required Education and Experience

Benefits:

• Employee discount; complimentary admission to many Boston museums and cultural arts attractions
• Mentorship: Receive one-on-one mentorship with senior staff offering personalized career guidance and support
• Professional development and exclusive coaching in project management, arts administration, and community engagement
• Monday to Friday day shift with opportunities to support evening/weekend programming
• The intern would be a part of an inclusive team inviting innovative ideas and meaningful contributions. Inventive approaches and creativity are welcomed and can shape new strategies for BSO's education and external engagement efforts.
• This is a dynamic internship experience. The intern’s work will directly impact the community for meaningful, lasting change.
• Enjoy a flexible work environment that supports your academic commitments and personal growth!

Hours are determined by mutual consent between intern and supervisor.

The BSO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ADDENDUM

Community Chamber Concerts

• October 25th, 2026, 3:00 PM, IBA La Casa (85 W Newton St, Boston, MA 02118)
• November 13th, 2026, 1:30 PM, Boston Public Library Roxbury Branch
• November 15th, 2026, 2:00 PM, German Centre
• January 10th, 2027, 3:00 PM, Parish of All Saints; Dorchester
• January 17th, 2027, 4:30 PM, St John's Episcopal Church; Jamaica Plain
• January 24th, 2027, 3:00 PM, Hibernian Hall
• January 29th, 2027, 1:30 PM, Fenway Center
• February 7th, 2027, 3:30 PM, Conservatory Lab Charter School
• February 21st, 2027, 3:00 PM, The Foundry
• April 18th, 2027, 3:00 PM, St Paul’s Cathedral Church
• May 2nd, 2027, 3:00 PM, Methuen Memorial Music Hall